Focusing On The Eternal 2 Corinthians 4:18 Series

Focusing on the Eternal 2 Corinthians 4:18

Introduction:

Today, we are going to delve into a profound truth found in 2 Corinthians 4:18. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, reveals a powerful perspective that can transform our lives. Our focus will be on understanding what it means to fix our eyes on the unseen and eternal, rather than the seen and temporary. Let’s open our hearts to receive God’s Word and allow His truth to transform us.

Point 1: The Temporary Nature of the Seen

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT) - "So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."

Paul encourages the Corinthians to shift their focus from the visible troubles of the present to the invisible, eternal realities. The Greek word for "look" is skopeo, which means to observe or fix one's gaze intently.

1 John 2:17 (NLT) - "And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."

John contrasts the temporary nature of the world with the eternal life promised to those who follow God’s will.

The cravings of this world are fleeting and will ultimately fade away.

The Greek word for "fading away" is parago, meaning to pass by or perish.

We are reminded to invest our lives in what is eternal rather than what is temporary and fleeting.

Imagine building a sandcastle on the beach. No matter how magnificent it looks, the tide will eventually wash it away. Similarly, the things of this world are temporary and will not last.

Rick Warren says, "Living in the light of eternity changes your priorities."

Point 2: The Eternal Significance of the Unseen

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) - "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see."

Faith involves believing in the unseen and trusting in God's promises. The Greek word for "faith" is pistis, indicating trust, confidence, and assurance.

Romans 8:24-25 (NLT) - "We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)"

Paul speaks about the hope believers have in Christ and the redemption of our bodies.

Hope is inherently tied to the unseen and requires patience and confidence.

The Greek word for "hope" is elpis, which implies expectation and trust.

We live by faith, trusting in God’s promises, even when we cannot see them with our physical eyes.

Think of a seed planted in the ground. Though unseen, we trust that it will grow into a plant. Our faith is like that seed, believing in the growth and fruit it will produce.

Charles Spurgeon said, "Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the windows which hope has opened."

Point 3: The Transformative Power of an Eternal Perspective

Main Text: Colossians 3:2 (NLT) - "Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth."

Paul instructs the Colossians to set their minds on heavenly things. The Greek word for "think" is phroneo, meaning to direct one's mind or thoughts.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT) - "Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

Jesus teaches about the impermanence of earthly wealth and the importance of heavenly treasures.

Our heart’s focus should be on storing treasures in heaven, which are eternal.

The Greek word for "treasures" is thesauros, meaning a deposit or wealth.

By focusing on eternal treasures, our hearts align with God’s eternal purposes.

Picture a marathon runner who keeps their eyes fixed on the finish line. Despite the challenges along the way, their focus on the goal keeps them moving forward. Similarly, our focus on the eternal helps us navigate the trials of life with purpose and direction.

John Piper states, "When you know that your Father owns the land and the cattle on a thousand hills, you don't need to worry about your needs."

Conclusion:

In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 4:18 calls us to a transformed life by shifting our focus from the temporary to the eternal. We recognize the fleeting nature of the visible, the significance of the unseen, and the transformative power of an eternal perspective. Let us commit to living with our eyes

We are called to fix our eyes on the eternal truths of God. By understanding the temporary nature of our current troubles, embracing an eternal perspective, and living for the eternal, we experience a transformative shift in our faith and daily lives.